Kristin Stransky, a Denver-based digital artist, has reported stolen a number of her 3D printed artworks, including an elaborate 3D printed dress. The pieces, which made up much of the artist’s portfolio, were taken from an exhibition held at Colorado State University’s Electronic Art Gallery.

While any art theft is tragic, there is something extra unsettling about an emerging artist having the bulk of her work stolen. The artist, understandably shaken by the crime, said she is desperately hoping that her 3D printed works will be returned, though that is doubtful.

If you’re thinking that a 3D printed artwork can be replicated since it is saved as a 3D file and can be re-printed, that's not exactly the case for Stransky’s mostly fashion-oriented pieces.

Daisy McGowan in the 3D printed FabLink dress

For instance, the FabLink 3D printed dress that was stolen required 800 hours to print and nearly 200 hours of assembly. The stunning dress, which was fitted for Daisy McGowan, the director of the Galleries of Contemporary Art at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, was made up of hundreds of small 3D printed links which were each connected by a dozen even smaller links.

The ten-pound dress, 3D printed from a nylon fiber material, was debuted in 2016 at the GOCA’s annual Brilliant fundraiser. McGowan, who wore the stunning piece, was the talk of the event. It took an enormous amount of effort, patience, and work to complete the dress, so we hope for Stransky’s sake (and for the love of 3D printing) that whoever took it returns it.

Stolen Statement necklace

The other pieces that were taken include an interactive “Notion Motion” necklace and vest, which light up with the wearer’s movements; a 3D printed necklace from Stransky’s Statement collection; a piece of 3D printed fabric which demonstrates the linking technique; and a pair of hands that were taken from a larger piece called “The Evolution of Handwork.”

“I'm grasping at straws here, and need to get word out about my stolen artwork,” said the artist. “I’m already trying to figure out how to remake the pieces, but am still hoping I can get them back. That’s probably not going to happen, but it’s worth a shot. I’m just hoping they didn't trash them. Who has a show at a major university and then has their artwork stolen?”

"The Evolution of Handwork"

Stransky also added that it is not the monetary value of the pieces that concerns her most, it is that the bulk of her work, which she is relying on to promote herself in the art world, is now gone.

So far, there are not any leads on who could have stolen the pieces. All we know is that a key to the gallery was found missing from a lockbox, which was presumably used to break into the exhibition over night to take the 3D printed artworks. Perhaps the 3D printing community will come together to find Stransky’s stolen artworks.